Recycling

BLUE BOX RECYCLING

The Town of Comox and Recycle BC have entered into a partnership for collection of recycling from curbside blue boxes. Recycle BC (formerly Multi-Material BC) is a non-profit organization that is responsible for residential recycling programs in many areas across BC, either directly or by working with local governments, First Nations, private companies and not-for profit organizations. The new agreement means there are some changes to curbside collection. 2020 Collection Calendar and Map

Acceptable Materials

Town of Comox residents can now recycle even more paper and product packaging in their curbside recycling collection.

Plastic bags and over-wrap (e.g. the plastic film on styrofoam food trays) - are accepted at the Comox Return Centre

Juice “drinking boxes” – are accepted at the Comox Return Centre

Hardcover or paperback books – they should be sold or donated

Oops Stickers:

The Town will begin tagging blue boxes that contain unacceptable items with an "oops sticker" as shown. In the beginning, all items in your blue box will continue to be collected. Homes who repeatedly include unacceptable items may find these items, or their entire bin, left behind. Please familiarize yourself with what is and isn't acceptable, and call or email if you have any questions.

If your curbside blue box contains items that are not accepted, you may find an “oops!” sticker that looks like this, on collection day:

How to pack a Blue Box

Place all recyclables loosely into the blue box – no need to sort.

Tip #1: ConsolidateReduce the volume of your recycling by flattening boxes and crumpled packing or wrapping paper, and stacking like-containers, such as yogurt tubs, holiday party trays, or egg cartons. In addition, slide lids into empty tin food cans and squeeze the can to flatten it so it takes up less space and reduces sharp edges. Gable top milk or soup cartons and plastic milk jugs can also be flattened before adding these to your container recycling.

Tip #2: Flatten cardboard Cardboard is one item that
does not have to go into your recycling container(s); it can be stacked
beside or between your collection boxes if you have more than one. Flatten and
cut large boxes
down to a reasonable size, and stack them in a manner that ensures they will
not blow
away.

Tip #3: Packing blue boxes for a windy dayPlace large flattened cardboard securely underneath or between your
recycling boxes, or place flattened cardboard inside one cardboard box. Place
heavier items on top of lighter items. Stack your recycling boxes to prevent
papers from blowing away. Put your
recycling boxes out for collection on the morning of collection day rather than
the night before.

Tip #4: Use additional containersDon’t over pack your blue box. Get additional containers to take up “overflow”. If your blue box is full, extra recyclables can be placed in any other open container next to the blue box –ensure that these additional containers do not exceed the basic dimensions of the blue box and remember the weight limit on each container of 35 pounds.

When are Blue Boxes collected in Comox?

Bi-weekly (every two weeks) collection occurs on garbage pickup day all year round. You can recycle unlimited quantity.

The centre provides refunds for all beverage containers including juice, water, pop, wine, and spirits sold in plastic, metal, glass or Tetra pak containers. Please rinse and remove lids, but leave labels on. In addition, this is the Comox Valley’s Paint and Paint Products return centre.